The first time my mother in law came to visit us she brought “freezer jam” with her, strawberry freezer jam. Mark was so excited and let me know it was one of his favorite things. I’d never had freezer jam before and while I loved the taste, I was pretty sure it was probably complicated to make and held a high risk for failure…something I avoided at all costs back then.
Years went by, and holding to my commitment to not look stupid and to avoid failing, I never made freezer jam, or any other type of jam.
Then we moved to Michigan a few years ago and I found myself surrounded by mid-west canning, applesauce making, bread baking, garden growing and jam making friends. They seemed to do all of these domestic miracles with relative ease, and I was caught by the traditions that went along with all of it.
During my years in Texas I came to love the traditions that marked life in San Antonio; they became part of the fabric of life for my family. The ache of losing those traditions has at times been an invitation to shut down my heart. It feels difficult to start new traditions, knowing that when I do I will have to feel the ache of what’s been lost and the hope for what can be again. Hope can be stirred by something as simple as making jam.
Last summer I made a bold move: I decided to risk looking stupid and possibly failing, and I made freezer jam.
Much to my surprise the whole process was ridiculously simple, and as long as you stir the sugar and fruit long enough there isn’t much of a risk for failure. I was surprised by how much sugar it took and how well it all turned out. My kids thought I was some sort of amazing domestic goddess.
This year I watched and waited for the day the berries would go on sale at our grocery store “10 for 10”. The day arrived, and I bought three flats of ripe blackberries and 3 flats of ripe red raspberries.
My girls knew what the flats of berries meant, and on jam day the youngest one was quick to put on her apron and pull up a stool to help. The tradition has taken root.
It’s August, and it’s not too late to make your own freezer jam, start a new tradition and become a goddess in your house.
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Tracy Johnson is a lover of stories and a reluctant dreamer, living by faith that “Hope deferred makes the heart sick but when dreams come true there is a life and joy” (Pro. 13:12). Married for 26 years, she is mother to five kids. After nearly a half century of life, she’s feeling like she may know who she is. Founder of Seized by Hope Ministries, she writes here.
 
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Add “domestic goddess” to your resume´, love it! Seriously, I love the reminder of traditions and how much they speak of our connections to people and places most dear to us. I love the newer traditions we share, and look forward to continuing them for a long time to come!
You never cease to amaze me, hence I can say you ARE an amazing woman! Lovingly, Honey:)
I love your invitation to all to become a goddess in our homes! It’s always easier to stand back and criticize what is different but I love your reminder of the connection and life that can be birthed when you step outside of your norm and out of your comfort zone.
Your bold move and words of hope are contagious and inspiring….I’m getting the berries!
I especially appreciated the call to move into our fears. We then become risk takers, and in the process, begin the adventure! Even if the jam didn’t work out the first time, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that everyone would be clamoring for it on the next try! The process itself is open-ended as to what God reveals about Himself and our relationship with Him. I loved the beautiful pictures……we often miss so much beauty and freedom by remaining “safe.” Tracy, I appreciated the flow of your writing and the way it left the way open for the reader to experience a variety of questions. I know that I was challenged. Thank you so much for sharing the treasures of your heart for the benefit of the Kingdom. Love to you always!
“I decided to risk looking stupid and possibly failing, and I made freezer jam.” Loved your story and am struck that we’re in the Red Tent with you as you explain to all of us how to make freezer jam. Thank you for passing that on 🙂
Oh the wonder of jam…but more so the wonder of you!